Brynley Toms and his Bedwas teammates late charge was in vain as indiscipline and errors proved costly as Cross Keys RFC deservedly took the spoils 31 - 24.
But every cloud has a silver lining. The two bonus points Bedwas gained mean that victory over Newport next time out will secure qualification to the semi-finals of this competition.
Cross Keys were on the board within a minute as fast hands put winger Matthew Powell in for a try, outside half James Thomas adding the extras.
Bedwas replied within five minutes as centre James Dixon crossed, his namesake missing the conversion.
On the quarter hour Cross Keys forged ahead as a break by Leon Andrews was finished off by co-centre Phil Williams, Thomas again on target with his conversion.
Not to be outdone Bedwas hit back with a series of close range scrums before Dan Crimmins was driven over for a try, James Dixon successfully converting. Their joy was short lived as full back James McCarthy danced through a dozing Bedwas defence for a try, Thomas wide with his kick on this occasion.
Cross Keys put the game to bed on the 42nd minute as hooker Robert Jones crossed for a try converted by Thomas. Bedwas rang the changes in a bid to get back into the game but were hampered by a yellow card issued to Rhys Hutcherson for a ruck offence. Home scrum half Ross Pritchard took advantage to cross for an unconverted try.
Matthew John found space on the left to dive in for a try after 62 minutes before a Tom Bell try converted by Dixon gave Bedwas hope of recording a victory. Chances came but unforced errors and a yellow card for Crimmins for an off the ball incident made it a difficult task. Keys’ defence held out for a deserved win.
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